Chapter 339 Shirahoshi's Confusion
Shirahoshi was truly Queen Otohime's daughter.
Her Observation Haki hadn't just inherited Queen Otohime's ability to perceive hearts—even the ability to influence others' minds had been passed down.
These two battle-hardened men were now completely stunned by Shirahoshi's power.
Just listening to Shirahoshi's tearful pleas had already thrown their hearts into chaos.
Various unprecedented emotions surged within them.
These two political creatures now found the same thought spontaneously arising in both their minds.
Had they gone too far?
Ignoring all this country's people, launching civil war purely for their rule, purely to seize power, reducing this nation to its current tattered state.
Had they gone too far?
Brett couldn't help shaking his head and chuckling softly.
This is cheating, little Shirahoshi.
These two who absolutely couldn't have opened their hearts to talk might now genuinely sit down for proper discussion.
No helping it. Even Mjosgard—that heinous Celestial Dragon—had been moved by Queen Otohime. These two guys being unable to withstand Shirahoshi's offensive was only natural.
The king and rebel leader who'd just been accusing each other had now fallen silent.
"I hope you two can talk properly."
Shirahoshi sobbed. "Then end this war and let this country's people live happily!"
The two men exchanged glances.
Then both sighed.
"So then—" His Majesty raised an eyebrow. "Shall we talk?"
The rebel leader furrowed his brow, then finally also sighed. "I suppose that's not impossible."
"Yay!"
Nana smiled joyfully. She directly threw herself onto Shirahoshi's back, laughing heartily. "Amazing, Shirahoshi! You did it! You convinced them!"
Little Princess Shirahoshi also widened her eyes in delight. A snot bubble even emerged from her delicate nostril, making her look somewhat silly. "This is wonderful!"
She looked at Brett happily. "Brett-niisan, I succeeded!"
"Did you?"
Brett smiled. "That's quite impressive, Shirahoshi."
"Yes!"
Shirahoshi nodded heavily.
His Majesty and the rebel leader were now genuinely discussing matters concerning stopping the war.
They both seemed deeply ashamed of their previous actions, so now they earnestly wanted to make amends for past mistakes.
The negotiation process went very smoothly. Both sides quickly agreed on relevant matters for ending the war.
The rebel army would announce surrender, while His Majesty would pardon their crimes.
Was everything developing toward a happy ending?
"Wonderful."
Shirahoshi watched the two men shake hands and announce the negotiation results, speaking happily. "Then the war can finally end, right?"
"This country's people can finally breathe easy."
Nana placed both hands on her hips, smiling.
"We've troubled you, Lord Brett, and you young ladies."
His Majesty spoke solemnly to Brett's trio. "You pointed out our mistakes. We'll stop this war and get this country back on track."
Well, though various small calculations still existed in his heart, his determination to stop the war did seem genuine right now.
"Yes."
Princess Shirahoshi nodded repeatedly in happiness.
She felt tremendous accomplishment.
After all, she'd made huge contributions to ending this country's war this time.
"Then we'll take our leave."
Brett said with a smile.
"Eh? Leaving already?"
Nana pouted. "That's too hasty, Brett-niisan, isn't it?"
"Indeed." His Majesty also spoke urgently. "At least let us hold a banquet for you all in thanks!"
"No need. We still have some things to do."
Brett smiled, releasing clouds to wrap around the two children. He carried them skyward, quickly disappearing from the king and rebel leader's sight.
The two watched Brett's trio depart, then withdrew their gazes and looked at each other.
"Then let's prepare to end this war."
His Majesty's feelings about ending this war weren't fake.
"Alright."
The rebel leader also nodded solemnly.
Both turned around, walking toward their respective camps.
On the other side, Brett brought the two children directly beyond the island to rendezvous with Alexander, settling back onto the warrior shrimp's back.
"Brett-niisan, looks like you weren't entirely right."
Nana grinned. "People can understand each other after all, can't they?"
"Yes, yes!"
Still excited, little Princess Shirahoshi's face was full of smiles. She nodded repeatedly.
"Mama was right! As long as people can understand each other, any conflict can be overcome!"
"Is that so?"
Brett smiled. "In any case, let's eat something first."
"Okay!"
Both children responded happily.
After touring the island, their stomachs had indeed grown somewhat hungry.
Though they were at sea on Alexander's back, getting something to eat was quite simple.
Just grab some edible seaweed and shellfish from the seabed as ingredients. Then Nana—who'd played at the Mermaid Café since childhood and largely inherited her mother's culinary skills—came in handy.
With support from flames Brett provided, she quickly prepared dishes.
So the three began eating.
While eating, Nana spoke somewhat unclearly. "Brett-niisan, why aren't we leaving yet?"
Alexander still lingered on the sea surface outside the island. Unlike before, they hadn't immediately rushed toward the next destination after leaving an island.
"No rush. This is our journey's endpoint."
Brett said. "After this we'll head straight back to Fish-Man Island."
"Eh?"
Nana felt deflated. Suddenly the food in her mouth lost its flavor. "It's already over?"
That was too fast!
"So let's go back to that island later and look around. Buy some souvenirs."
Brett said.
Though it would waste some time and possibly lead to awkward situations later, it should be worth it.
"Great!"
Nana nodded repeatedly. "When I was leaving, my sisters told me to bring them gifts back!"
"I want to bring gifts for Mama, Papa, and my brothers too!"
Little Shirahoshi also raised her hand high.
"Then let's go back later."
Brett looked back toward that distant island.
Though somewhat cruel—Shirahoshi, this is this world's reality.
After finishing their meal, Brett brought the two children flying toward that island again.
"Hahaha! The war's already over!"
Nana laughed proudly. "We ended this country's war! We're heroes of this country now, right?"
Brett said nothing.
They'd already reached the island's skies. Brett headed straight toward the city where negotiations had occurred.
Then, as they neared this city, sounds gradually became clear.
Crack crack pop pop.
Boom boom rumble rumble.
Chaotic sounds entered the trio's ears. The city's scene also became clearly visible.
Fires blazed everywhere. Smoke billowed upward.
"Eh?"
Nana blinked. "The war—it's already over, isn't it?"
Shirahoshi's mouth opened slightly. Her eyes held confusion.
What was happening?